Lawrence of Afghanistan: Rise and Fall of a Special Forces Legend

In her book "American Spartan," former Washington Post journalist Ann Scott Tyson writes that she fell in love with former Special Forces Maj. Jim Gant in Afghanistan. Gant, once an American hero of the Afghan war known for "going native," fell from grace and was pushed out of the military when the affair, and other indiscretions, came to light.

Courtesy of Ann Scott Tyson

In her book &quot;American Spartan,&quot; former Washington Post journalist Ann Scott Tyson writes that she fell in love with former Special Forces Maj. Jim Gant in Afghanistan. Gant, once an American hero of the Afghan war known for &quot;going native,&quot; fell from grace and was pushed out of the military when the affair, and other indiscretions, came to light.

Courtesy of Ann Scott Tyson

Gant, seen here before growing out his beard and adopting Afghan tribal clothes to better fit in with locals in dangerous outposts.

U.S. Military

Gant stands with Tyson near the village of Mangwel, Afghanistan in August 2011.

Courtesy of Ann Scott Tyson

Gant, center, insisted that his troops dress like locals in eastern Afghanistan to better win their trust.&nbsp;

Courtesy of Ann Scott Tyson

Gant, sitting second from the right in this August 2011 photo, became close with the Afghan locals he fought alongside against the Taliban.

Courtesy of Ann Scott Tyson

While living in sometimes hostile territory, Tyson said Gant taught her to shoot a number of weapons.

Courtesy of Ann Scott Tyson

Tyson told ABC News she had seen too many firefights to be afraid of them any more.

Courtesy of Ann Scott Tyson

Gen. David Petraeus, seen here second from left next to Gant, took over command of U.S. forces in Afghanistan in 2010. He has praised Gant's courage, intelligence and vision.

Chief Petty Officer Joshua Treadwell, U.S. Navy

Petraeus speaks with local residents in Qalat Mangwel, Afghanistan, May 8, 2011. Gant is seated in front of him in the red cap.

Chief Petty Officer Joshua Treadwell, U.S. Navy

When he commanded his Special Forces team in eastern Afghanistan, Gant played host to a number of VIPs who came to see is success. This photo shows Gant, center, with Sen. John McCain, left, and Sens. Lindsey Graham and Joe Lieberman, right, in July 2011.

Courtesy of Ann Scott Tyson

Gant speaks with McCain and Graham at a remote eastern Afghan outpost in July 2011.

Sgt. Lizette Hart / Army Public Affairs

This photo shows the men led by Gant the day he was relieved of command. Gant stands second from the left.